The vacuum hose that connects to my brake booster of my 2000 Mazda Protege broke and the dealership didn't have one available, but they were able to use a different vacuum hose that they claim is not meant for the brake booster and is just a temporary fix. IS there a certain vacuum hose that is used for the brake booster or is the standard, regular vacuum hose acceptable as well? My car is working fine so far (no engine sputtering when the transmission is in reverse).

 

I have a 99 pro with the 1.6. When my brake booster hose broke, I replaced it with a standard reinforced vacuum hose which worked fine. Problem is, the OEM hose has the vacuum check valve inside it. The check valve holds vacuum inside the booster assembly so you will have 3 or 4 power braking attempts if the engine is turned off. Without the valve, there will be no power brake effect when the engine is off. Not sure if this valve restricts the amount of vacuum applied to the booster. In any case, I don't know why Mazda did this instead of making the check valve a separate item like most other manufacturers do.

If you still have the old hose, check it to see if you can feel this valve inside it.

Your call. I went ahead and ordered another OEM hose just for the hell of it.